Leonard Novak

Leonard Novak, 83, of Warren, MN, affectionately known as “Shorty,” died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in his home -just as he wished- with his family beside him.

Leonard Ralph Novak was born on April 13, 1942, in Grand Forks, ND, to Walter and Monica (Vanyo) Novak. Growing up on a farm, first in Tabor, later in Brooks, MN, he learned about hard work early: a skill he nurtured and passed along in turn. He attended high school in Plummer, MN, graduating in 1960. Shortly after, Leonard moved to Warren, where he'd live the rest of life.

Shorty's early jobs included driving and delivering parts- but these came second to visiting with everyone he met. He was married to Bernadette Rolcynski in 1964 and they raised four children. By 1973, Shorty owned both the indoor theater and the Sky-Vu Drive in, and loved visiting with all who passed by the ticket booth. He made a mean BBQ sandwich (not too sweet, but just “right”), and kept the drive-in open for his community despite the changing times. He also worked for Marshall Co. Coop for decades, and was a charter member of the Warren Volunteer Ambulance Service and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. If not in the course of his jobs, you'd likely see Shorty enjoying his favorite pastimes: driving in his latest used car or cutting the grass.

On July 7, 2007 (Shorty's first marriage being annulled) he was married to Marilyn (Hoeft) Soltvedt. The enjoyed their following years together, spending time with grandchildren and their large blended family. As he began to step back from Sky-Vu in the last five years, his health slowly declining, he continued to watch over the Drive-in, tallying each car that came by the booth from the comfort of his recliner. And Shorty said it best: “If it wasn't for Marilyn, I wouldn't be able to stay in my home.” And that was his goal, achieved through her efforts.

His final days were spent talking about his life's work to all he encountered- his pride in his family and his business taking the fore. He made it home for his last moments, with The Sky-Vu ever in sight; Shorty's legacy all around him as he took his final breath.

Pray for his soul.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Steve “Beaver” Novak, Jackie (Bill) Schroeder, Tom (Anne) Novak, and Theresa (Brendon) Lamppa; stepchildren, Karla (Paul) Davy, Missy Hoeft, and Kenny Soltvedt; thirteen grandchildren; a number of step-grandkids, great-grandkids; his siblings, Jerome (Barb), Danny (Cindy), Reinette (Ray) Walter, Gerard (Kim), Anita (Jack) Mattson, and Madonna (Dan) Johnson, and many nieces and nephews that loved their Uncle Leonard.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, infant Dorothy Ann, and Raymond Novak.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials are Preferred to North Valley Health Center Ambulance Service.
A link giving to NVHC may be found HERE- please notate your donation for the ambulance under the dedication section.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Warren, MN.
VISITATION: Sunday evening, October 5, starting at 5:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:30 PM, and a Prayer Service at 6:45 PM; and one hour prior to Mass on Monday.
INTERMENT: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Warren, MN.